Aurora James, founder of Brother Vellies and the 15% Pledge, chats about mobilizing support for Black-owned businesses impacted by devastating fires in Los Angeles. She shares valuable insights on how fashion brands can contribute during crises and the importance of community resilience. The discussion also highlights transformative initiatives like the Parity Collective, which funds Black startups, and the challenges faced by the industry in maintaining inclusivity. James underscores the need for sustained support and actionable contributions to help marginalized communities thrive.
The 15% Pledge is mobilizing substantial support for Black-owned businesses impacted by the wildfires, revealing community priorities amidst crisis.
Discussions in the podcast highlight the necessity for practical recovery efforts, urging collective action to support struggling local businesses rather than relying solely on philanthropy.
Deep dives
The Impact of the Wildfires on Communities
The wildfires in Los Angeles have significantly affected local communities, particularly highlighting the struggles of Black homeowners and small business owners in areas like Altadena. The devastation has led to fears of losing not only homes but also access to necessary resources for recovery. Community members have expressed dire concerns about their capacity to rebuild, especially in a gentrifying landscape where support from larger entities is crucial. This emphasizes the need for focused efforts on aiding those directly impacted, as many are not financially equipped to navigate the recovery process alone.
The Role of the 15% Pledge in Recovery
The 15% Pledge aims to support Black-owned businesses that have been adversely affected by the wildfires, adapting their upcoming gala to serve as a fundraiser for those impacted. Originally scheduled as a traditional event, it is now focused on providing financial assistance to local businesses recovering from the disaster. The initiative plans to redirect 100% of ticket sales towards aiding these businesses, highlighting a shift in community priorities amidst crisis. This pivot signifies a commitment to resilience and actionable support within the fashion community and beyond.
Community and Business Resilience Amidst Crisis
The challenges posed by the wildfires have led to important discussions about community support and resilience among local businesses. The need for financial support, legal assistance, and a structured recovery plan has become increasingly urgent, as many owners struggle to regain stability. With calls for community members to actively participate in recovery efforts, the emphasis is placed on practicality—buying gift certificates and attending local events to support struggling businesses. This situation reiterates the idea that collective action can foster recovery, rather than simply philanthropic gestures, aiming at long-term sustainability.
The Future of Fashion and Diversity Initiatives
The evolution of the 15% Pledge reflects a broader discourse surrounding diversity and business practices within the fashion industry. The initiative emphasizes that diversity is not merely a marketing strategy but a fundamental aspect of business success. In the face of recent crises, including the wildfires and pandemic impacts, the imperative for supportive structures for marginalized businesses has gained renewed urgency. Acknowledging the challenges of the current landscape, the 15% Pledge serves as a model for how fashion brands can make meaningful contributions while fostering inclusivity and real change.
Lauren rings up her old pal, Brother Vellies founder Aurora James, to discuss how James’s nonprofit, the Fifteen Percent Pledge, is mobilizing to support Black-owned businesses affected by the fires, and what fashion brands can do for people out in Los Angeles. Aurora is also the vice chair of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. In recent years, she also also partnered with investment fund VMG on the Parity Collective, which funds Black startups. All that said, she knows her stuff and has some great insights about what’s happening out here. Lauren also rounds up the best of this week’s Line Sheet, from the Proenza Schouler bombshell(s) to Charlotte Tilbury’s dupe war.